but obama said he thinks this could be done in a week and enge he's right. host: there's a feeling about that on the hill? guest: yes. republicans see the writing on the wall. about tax increases. so they want to make sure they get spending cuts to go with it. president obama said 1.6 in tax increases and spending cuts won't take place until next year. by considering that obama has been open to spending cuts in previous negotiations, and says he's open to it now. and republicans have changed from where they were a year ago when it comes to tax increases, i think it won't take too much to get there, although -- >> that segment and more at our special webpage c-span.org/fiscal cliff. now to the senate side of capitol hill for gos on the pending tax hikes and budget cuts. >> there's enough writing on the walls to fill quite a few pages about republicans deciding the right thing to do is protect the middle class. and we need to do it now. it's really important that this holiday season that the middle class is not going to be burdened with the thought that they m